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The Golden Scheme/Script

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Verdant Wind
Harpstring Moon

The Golden Scheme

Opening Narration FETH Leicester banner.png

Cg fe16 opening 04.png
Claude leverages his victory at the Battle of Gronder to secure reinforcements from Alliance lords. Meanwhile, the Imperial army continues to tighten its defenses at Fort Merceus in anticipation of an attack on the Imperial capital.
— Chapter 18 opening narration

Event - The Impregnable Fortress

Potential Dates: 5/2
Great Bridge of Myrddin (Outskirts)
Daytime

(In the woods near the bridge of Myrdinn, the Alliance army prepares their next move.)
Judith: Our objective is Enbarr, the Imperial Capital. But our greatest obstacle lies before that.
Ignatz: And what's what?
Judith: Fort Merceus. If we can't pass through, we won't be able to reach Enbarr.
Leonie: Fort Merceus... the Impregnable Fortress, or so it's called.
Ignatz: If I recall correctly, it's sometimes referred to as the Stubborn Old General.
Lysithea: It is a massive fortress that was constructed to protect the Imperial capital.
Shamir: The Imperial army we defeated has withdrawn to Enbarr. Fort Merceus should be short on soldiers for now.

Choice 1 Choice 2
We should attack quickly. We should be careful.
Judith: Yes, it would be good to finish up here before more enemy reinforcements arrive. Judith: It would be best to take it before enemy reinforcements arrive. Still, there's a reason it's been called impregnable.

Judith: The only real question is what our fearless leader intends to do...
(Just then, Claude arrives.)
Claude: Sorry for the delay, everyone. Those mewling lords kept me from leaving for quite some time.
Judith: So? Were you able to secure additional reinforcements?
Claude: It's gonna have to wait until next month. It doesn't look like they can afford to keep supporting us at present.
Judith: Then what should we do about Fort Merceus? Do you plan on waiting around?
Claude: No. If we wait until next month, the enemy will have bolstered their defenses.
Claude: That said, the prevailing theory is that you need triple your enemies' forces to take a fortress with a frontal assault.
Leonie: Right, that's what we were taught at the academy. And this is Fort Merceus we're talking about. It's renowned for its strong defences.
Claude: Our current army isn't nearly strong enough. Hmm... What to do...
Judith: Whatever you do, just don't ask us to scale those huge walls. We'd end up dead when they hurl rocks down at us.
Hilda: Yeah, no thanks! If only someone would open up the gates for us from the inside.
Claude: Unfortunately we don't have any spies in there. Wait a minute...
(An idea surges on Claude's mind.)
Claude: I've got it! We sneak in, stir up confusion, and open the gates ourselves to let our allies in.
Hilda: Right! That's what I was saying all along!
Ignatz: Right. Nice one, Hilda. But how do you propose we go about sneaking in?
Hilda: Disguises? If we dress up like Imperial soldiers, maybe they'll think we're allies and let us in!
Leonie: Do you really think they'd just open the gates for us? I'd be pretty dumbfounded if that worked.
Claude: No, no—she's on to something. It's a good idea, Hilda. We just need to refine it a bit, and we'll be in there before we know it.
(Hilda's overjoyed.)
Hilda: Really? Go me!
Lorenz: What is your definition of refining the idea? I know your go-to strategy is nausea-inducing poison, but...
Raphael: Urgh! I maybe ate too much. My stomach hurts...
(Lorenz stares at Raphael.)
Lorenz: Raphael... Why are you eating meat during a war council?!
Judith: So, fearless leader, I'm guessing you're going to keep the crucial parts of your scheme under wraps until the time comes, aren't you?
Claude: You know me so well, Judith. Whether we like it or not, this war puts a damper on all of our spirits.
Claude: What's wrong with trying to have a little fun every now and again? Just leave the details to me.

Exploration: The Golden Scheme

Potential Dates: 5/3, 5/10, 5/17 and 5/24

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Event - The Death Knight

Potential Dates: 5/30
Fort Merceus (Outskirts)
Daytime*

(On the woods near Fort Merceus, Ignatz reports back to the Alliance army...)
Ignatz: I delivered our letter to Fort Merceus. I don't think they suspected anything.
Claude: I knew I was right to entrust that task to you. You've got that honest kind of face that makes it easy to fool people.
Ignatz: Is that meant to be a compliment?
Lysithea: What did you write in the letter?
Claude: I informed them that reinforcements were on the way. It would have been suspicious for troops to show up unannounced.
Hilda: So, the plan is...
Claude: We'll disguise ourselves as reinforcements from the Imperial capital and sneak in to Fort Merceus.
Hilda: Oh! You used my disguise plan after all!
Claude: We've also procured Imperial army uniforms.
Hilda: Ooh, good work. I knew this was the only way!
Claude: However... That alone wouldn't be enough.
Hilda: You did say the plan needed a little more refinement. Are you going to dress up like Edelgard, Claude?
Claude: I'm not sure that would accomplish much.
Claude: In the letter, I included the name of the Imperial general leading the reinforcements. While we're heading to the fort, a separate army is going to attack us.
Marianne: We're going to be attacked?!
Claude: That's all just for show, though. It'll be our allies who are attacking us.
Hilda: Oh, I get it! We're going to make it look like the Alliance is attacking Imperial reinforcements!
Claude: Right. When the troops in the fortress panic and open up the gates... We're in.
Judith: I'd love nothing more than for this plan to work, but I've got some bad news for you. Apparently the notorious Death Knight has been placed in charge of defending Fort Merceus.
(Marianne looks at Flayn, who's standing near the group.)
Marianne: The one who kidnapped Flayn...
(Goosebumps go through Flayn spine.)
Flayn: The Death Knight... I did not wish to ever think of him again.
Judith: He got some acclaim in the battle to subjugate western Faerghus. They say he holds the most military prowess in the Empire.
Claude: Even so, we've got Teach here to command us. All will be well. You have to trust us.
Judith: So your big plan is to just trust your professor? Really, boy?
Leonie: Under the professor's guidance, I'm sure we'll manage somehow. We're counting on the tactics you learned from Captain Jeralt!
Claude: Prepare yourselves, everyone. It's time.
(Most of the army begins moving, leaving Byleth and Claude alone.)

Claude: Teach... This is for your ears only, but there's actually one more part to my plan. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but I have no choice.

No choice?

Claude: Absolutely. We can't afford to hold anything back.
Claude: Thanks to Edelgard's strength, the Imperial army is more unified than I would have expected. It was a painful realization, but after our battle at Gronder Field, it's clear that we can't win if we don't pull out all the stops.
Claude: I also realized something else during that battle. There really is something special about you, Teach.
Claude: The reason we were all able to keep our cool in the midst of the chaos was because we all trust in you. In your command and in your strength. Everyone here believes that we will win as long as we have you on our side. Our faith in you is borderline religious.
Claude: You and I... We have what it takes to free Fódlan from the Empire's rule. I know in my heart that we'll make it through to witness the world after all the fighting has ceased.
(Byleth and Claude smile as they look at each other.)

Fort Merceus (Empire Territory)

(Somewhere on Fort Merceus...)
Death Knight: That (wo)man approaches...
Caspar: Who are you talking about? You don't mean that professor, do you?! Doesn't matter. No one could take this fortress.
Linhardt: Ugh, sounds like a bother... I'll be taking a nap about now.
Death Knight: Will death's scythe claim you... Or will I fall to that sword of yours...

Narration - Taking Fort Merceus

While awaiting reinforcements, the Alliance predicts the Empire will continue to fortify its defenses at Fort Merceus. Knowing this rist, Claude and a select few advance, hoping to gain entry to the fort through deception.
— Introduction to Taking Fort Merceus

Battle: Taking Fort Merceus

Potential Dates: 5/31
Fort Merceus

Before Battle

(Byleth's army assume their positions on the map)
Imperial Soldier: General, reinforcements have arrived from the capital. They clashed with Alliance forces in the outskirts of the city, but should enter the fortress soon.
Death Knight: You let them in? Make haste and slaughter them all.
Imperial Soldier: Huh? Why?
Death Knight: They are enemies. Slaughter them all. I will not say it again.

(Claude assumes his position.)
Claude: We made it in. Professor, take control from the south. I have my own task to do from here. There are preparations to be made for our secret plan.

Movie - Citizens of the East

Ss fe16 citizens of the east icon.png

Alliance soldiers are seen from above entering the fort, with Claude leading the troops. Suddenly, they hear noise behind them and turn around, and see how an unidentified army colored in green marches towards them, which consists of cavalry and wyvern knights.

Claude silently watches the arriving troops and begins walking at them, as the Alliance soldiers stand still in confusion.

The camera then focuses on the opposite army. Nardel reveals himself between the soldiers riding a horse, slowly taking the lead before ordering his troops to slow down with a hand gesture. As the troops fall behind, he takes out a bow.

Keeping a stern look, Claude takes out a bow and and prepares to fire. As Nardel make the first shot, Claude quickly retaliates with his own arrow. Both proyectiles clash and fall into the ground.

Claude draws out a sword and prepares to attack, making a huge jump at the upcoming horse rider. Upon noticing this, Nardel takes out his sword as well and prepares to counterattack. Their blades make contact for a few seconds before the recoil pushes Claude near where he once was. As Claude reaches the ground, Nardel unmounts, leaving his horse behind.

Nardel: I see your skills haven't dulled yet, kiddo.

Claude laughts.

Claude: What did you expect?

On the Alliance side, the soldiers can be seen confused, murmuring between themselves. On the other side, the green army remains silent. Claude smiles and turns his head around to see his troops.

Claude: Everyone, listen up! From now on, the Almyran forces will be fighting by our side!

Claude then turns their head to see the almyran army standing in front of him.

Claude: We'll work as one! And we will bring down that fort together!

Narder raises his sword in cheer and his troops quickly follow suit. The Alliance soldiers are still perplexed over what had just taken place.

Player Phase 1

Claude: An impregnable fortress is a wide-open prairie once you get inside. From here, we'll attack from the north and south at once!
Nader: No different than a prairie, you say? Heh! You've got a strange head on your shoulders, kiddo.
Claude: For Nader the Undefeated, this should be as easy as a walk in a meadow, right?
Nader: Heh. Well, goddess or death god or whoever they may be, let's crush them to dust.

Enemy Phase - If a Playable Unit is near the Death Knight

Death Knight: The time is ripe.

Alliance Soldier: Report! The Death Knight is moving! It looks like they're abandoning the fortress and making an escape!
Claude: We need to put an end to this here and now. Come on, let's circle around and cut off his retreat.

If the Death Knight Reaches an Escape Tile

Death Knight: The time of ruin draws near... But their slaughter must wait until next we meet...
(Death Knight escapes.)

Alliance Soldier: Report! The Death Knight has escaped the fortress!
Claude: He gave up too easily. Does he have some other plan? Let's deal with the remaining enemies and go after him, quickly!

Map's objetive changes to "Rout the Enemy"

Sub Boss - Caspar

Caspar does not appear if he was recruited and is replaced by an Imperial General Warrior instead.

Vs Anyone:

Did you have to kill a lot of your friends to get here? Cause I'm gonna give this fight everything I've got!
— Caspar Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

It's way over my head, and I don't really get what's going on between you and Edelgard. I thought for sure you two would come to an understanding, but I guess I was wrong.
— Caspar Vs Byleth

Vs Linhardt:

Caspar: Looks like we ended up on opposing sides, Linhardt!
Linhardt: Certainly seems that way. I could almost weep over how things turned out. Do you realize, Caspar, that this is the first time we've ever fought?
Caspar: Yeah, I think you're right. The first and probably the last!

— Caspar Vs Linhardt

Death Quote:

Don't worry about me... I always knew... losing meant death...
— Caspar's Death Quote

Sub Boss - Linhardt

Linhardt does not appear if he was recruited and is replaced by an Imperial General Bishop instead.

Vs Anyone:

I'd rather not fight, yet avoiding it is more frustrating and fruitless than engaging in the battle itself.
— Linhardt Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

Ever since returning to the Empire, I knew this day would arrive. I just hoped it might take a bit longer. Ugh...
— Linhardt Vs Byleth

Vs Caspar:

Caspar: Looks like we ended up on opposing sides, Linhardt!
Linhardt: Certainly seems that way. I could almost weep over how things turned out. Do you realize, Caspar, that this is the first time we've ever fought?
Caspar: Yeah, I think you're right. The first and probably the last!

— Linhardt Vs Caspar

Death Quote:

I hope someday there will be no fighting and we can all just...nap the afternoon away...
— Linhardt's Death Quote

Boss - Death Knight

Vs Anyone:

I have no need of you.
— Death Knight Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

You're stronger now. Whether I kill you or you kill me, I'm looking forward to this!
— Death Knight Vs Byleth

Vs Claude:

Claude: Hey, how long's it been? Five years? Who'd have thought you'd end up an Imperial general...
Death Knight: So, you wish to die.
Claude: Heh. As antisocial and unhinged as ever, I see.

— Death Knight Vs Claude

Vs Mercedes:

Death Knight: You. Leave.
Mercedes: No! I won't! I...I refuse to run from you anymore!

— Death Knight Vs Mercedes

Vs Seteth:

Seteth: You will not escape, Death Knight. Today you will be unmasked!
Death Knight: My true identity has no value.
Seteth: I will be the judge of that, once I've seen your face.

— Death Knight Vs Seteth

Vs Flayn:

Flayn: So it's you, Death Knight! Remember me?!
Death Knight: You again. Here to lose more blood?
Flayn: Never! You will not lay a hand on me ever again!

— Death Knight Vs Flayn

Retreat Quote:

If you desire to slay me, follow. The appointed hour is at hand...
— Death Knight's Retreat Quote

After Battle

Claude: He's hiding something... It's annoying to do what he's telling us to, but we don't really have a choice. After him!

Movie - Javelins of Light

Ss fe16 javelins of light icon.png

At the top of Fort Merceus, the Death Knight, Byleth and their resistance army stands up on opposite sides. Suddenly, the Death Knight speaks.

Death Knight: It is coming. Leave now, or all of you will die.

The Death Knight jumps out of the fort as Byleth and their army give him chase. Once reaching a certain distance, the Death Knight stops running, looks at Byleth and points out to the sky.

As the Death Knight escapes, Byleth turns their head to look where their enemy had just indicated, and they notice a strange javelin-like object falling from the sky, being guided by multiple purple rings. Once the object touches the ground, a grand explosion occurs. Byleth watches dumbstruck.

Allied Soldier 1: Run! We have to evacuate immediately!

As Byleth and their chosen army flee, another "javelin" falls from the sky. The camera provides a closer look to it, revealing it looks akin to a ballistic missile. Once it touches ground, the screen goes black. An explosion sound occurs.

The camera then turns into Byleth and their army's reaction to the destruction. One of the soldiers show a broken smile.

Allied Soldier 2: What just happened here?
Allied Soldier 1: The fort, it's...

The camera then shows what's left of the "The Stubborn Old General", now turned into nothing but rubble.

Allied Soldier 1: It's just... gone.

Byleth looks vexed.

Event - Javelins of Light

If Nader didn't fall in the previous mission. If Nader did fall in the previous mission.

Nader: Hey, kiddo! What was with that...javelin of...light?
Claude: Javelin of light... That describes it pretty well. The fortress was supposedly impregnable, but look at it now.
Claude: It's hard to imagine that the Empire would do something like that. But if not them, then who? And for what purpose? If they wanted to kill us, then why wait until now to use it?
Judith: We almost died just now... and without an answer to any of that.
(Judith then turns to Nader.)
Judith: Speaking of unanswered questions, why is Nardel here? Care to explain? I get the feeling there's something you two are keeping from us.
Nader: I'll go ahead and see my subordinates off to Almyra, kiddo.
Claude: Wait, Nader! Are really going to just leave me here and run away?
(Nader smiles.)
Nader: I hope to see you again, Judith. And you too, Professor. I'll be praying for your safety!
(Nader quickly runs away, leaving Judith dumbfounded.)
Judith: Nader? Are you saying that Nardel is actually Nader the Unstoppable?!

Unstoppable?

Claude: It's actually "Nader the Undefeated." Almyrans love grand titles.
Judith: I knew he was no ordinary person, but to think he was the great hero of Almyra...
Hilda: Hey, um, can we really afford to be chatting right now? If another one of those javelins of light falls, we're all dead!
Lorenz: Claude. There are things I wish to ask you, but first we must hurry and withdraw.
Claude: Right you are. Come on, everyone! Let's hurry up and get out of here.

Event - The Alliance Leader's True Identity

Great Bridge of Myrddin
Daytime

(Once the Alliance army returns to the bridge, Lorenz begin asking questions...)
Lorenz: Claude. It is time for you to explain. Why are you so close with an Almyran general?
Claude: Well, he did quite a bit for me when I was younger.
Lorenz: When you were younger... So, before you joined House Riegan. How and where did you meet him? There aren't many opportunities to meet a general from Almyra in Fódlan...
Claude: If that's what you believe, it's only because that's what you've been led to believe. After all, we have Cyril here among our allies, and he was born in Almyra.
(Cyril is uncomfortable with Claude's response.)
Cyril: Hey, now. Don't drag me into this.
Claude: There's a big, wide world outside of Fódlan, and it's overflowing with different places and cultures. You think interacting with outsiders is odd, but isn't avoiding contact with the outside world far more unnatural?
(Lorenz starts getting angry.)
Lorenz: Don't change the subject, Claude. To the people of the Alliance, the Almyrans are––
Claude: It's true that there's a history of hostility, but why should that mean we're doomed to remain hostile forever? The Almyrans aren't monsters. Just look at Cyril! Does he look like a monster to you?
(Cyril is annoyed at Claude.)
Cyril: Hey, what's that supposed to mean?
(Claude looks at Byleth.)
Claude: Right, Teach? What did you think when you met Nader?

Choice 1 Choice 2
He's... interesting. He's a reliable general.

Claude: Ha! I'll tell him you said that. And I'm sure that if all of you got to know him, all of your preconceived notions would change too. I know you guys, and you aren't the type of people to reject someone without trying to get to know them.
Hilda: But... how did those Almyrans even get past Fódlan's Throat? I doubt my brother would just let them pass without saying anything...
Claude: About that... I actually made sure your brother met Nader in advance.
Lorenz: What?! Lord Holst met with an Almyran general?
Hilda: Oh, so that's why you were so interested in my brother.
Hilda: But wait, they're supposed to be bitter enemies! They've fought each other several times before!
Claude: I know. It was a big gamble.
Claude: But rather than having me try to convince them myself, I knew it would be easier to just have them meet. They were taken aback at first, but sure enough, they hit it off. They were even drinking to their newfound brotherhood before parting.
Judith: It makes sense. If you take the greatest heroes away from the battlefield, of course they'll get along.
Hilda: Fighting one minute and drinking together the next... Men are so weird!
Claude: Ultimately, someone's bloodline has nothing to do with the friendships they forge. Relations between the Alliance and Almyra is a matter we'll tackle in the future. Still, I want to take this opportunity to make one thing clear to all of you.
Claude: After we defeat the Empire, I intend to tear down the walls that separate Fódlan from the outside world. I want to let people and goods come and go freely, and in doing so, eradicate prejudices about the outside world.
(Cyril is confused.)
Cyril: Huh?!
Lorenz: Would it even be possible to achieve such a thing? It directly contradicts the Seiros tenets.
Claude: Does it? I'm not so sure. I'm any case, I'm prepared for the inevitable protests and criticism. New ways of doing things are always met with resistance.
Claude: During our time at the Officers Academy, all of you overcame the barriers of birthplace, status, and ideology. Having gone through so much with all of you, I have no doubt that, in time, you'll understand.
Hilda: I guess there were a lot of different people there. People we wouldn't have met through the normal course of our lives.
Claude: Duscur once opposed the Kingdom, but there was someone from Duscur there. Brigid once invaded the Empire, but the Brigid princess was there. We ate at the same table as those people. Sure, sometimes we didn't get along. But other times, we helped each other out. Can we really draw a definitive line in the sand and say one group of people is all good, and another all bad?
Claude: If I can realize my dream, Fódlan will be reborn. The old age will end and we'll welcome a new dawn.
Lorenz: But, if—
Judith: Save your objections for another day, Gloucester boy.
Lorenz: Ugh...
Judith: That said, there are more pressing matters to discuss. Our next step is to invade the Imperial capital, right?
Claude: That's right. I'm sure Edelgard is eagerly awaiting our arrival in Enbarr. Reinforcements from the Alliance lords should arrive soon. Let's make sure we're ready to greet them.